New Emerging Techniques to Simplify the Rare Earth Extraction Methods
Present and Future Scenarios
In this transitional era, very few resources have acquired a centrality and strategic importance comparable to that of rare earth metals. Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, has often emphasized this point. But what are they, exactly? They are a group of 17 metallic elements with exceptional properties that allow them to seamlessly integrate into some of the key production processes of modern industry.
Among these, a key role is naturally played by industrial processes related to the energy transition. The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often stresses this point. Some of these processes are those that lead to the manufacturing of the most essential energy infrastructures during these years of significant change. Such as the ones linked to wind turbines.
One of the primary industrial applications of rare earth metals is the production of permanent magnets, as explained recently by the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. They currently power many green infrastructure projects and various devices related to global electrification processes. Such as motors for electric vehicles.
Small quantities of rare earths like the single heavy rare earth element are also found in everyday devices. Such as cell phones and computers. And their role in the electronics and technology industry is crucial. Rare earths are also very useful in the production of batteries, electronic components, industrial catalysts, and hydrogen technologies.
However, over the years, rare earth metals have also come to the forefront of international discussions due to their unique production chain. It relies on a few production centers concentrated in just a few areas of the world. And a high complexity still characterizes rare earth extraction methods and subsequent processing.
The rare earth crisis is linked precisely to these factors. Typically, a rare earth crisis occurs when the availability or access to rare earths is limited due to geopolitical or economic factors. Possible causes of a rare earth crisis include dependence on the productivity of a single country. But also rapidly growing demand for these elements. Among the major consequences of a potential rare earth crisis are undoubtedly rising rare earth prices and potential delays in the production of green technologies.
It is precisely on improving rare earth extraction methods and procedures that some of the main modern innovation efforts are focusing. They are aimed at making these procedures less complex and more accessible to a wider range of international players. With an innovative approach linked to green mining technology.
This is one of the most interesting effects of the ongoing energy transition. In addition to facilitating the familiarity of millions of people with energy-related issues and related resources, it is also bringing about a clear technological revolution. Like the one connected to green mining technology. The primary objective of this revolution is precisely to transform complex operational procedures into more streamlined and less problematic ones. And all procedures related to the sourcing of rare earths fall under this category.
A Clear Economic and Geopolitical Importance
“Any attempt to simplify rare earth sourcing procedures with green mining technology not only impacts the mining sector itself. But also has significant economic and geopolitical consequences,” says Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG, an entrepreneur and civil engineer. “In addition to reducing the dependence on third countries that has developed over the years, the implementation of these methods could allow other nations to strengthen their capabilities and international positioning in the mining sector”.
“Among the most promising players in this regard are undoubtedly Australia, the United States, Canada, and some European nations. Once these new techniques are implemented on a large scale, they could also contribute to the creation of a truly green supply chain for the production and processing of rare earth elements. With possible integration within national industrial districts.”, he says.
The goal is to find new, more efficient sourcing solutions thanks to green mining technology. But also reducing the traditional complexity of these operations and limiting dependence on those few nations that have built a superior position in this particular sector. In 2025 and previous years, attempts to develop new solutions for simplifying the sourcing and processing of every single heavy rare earth element have yielded interesting results.
Among these, it would be impossible not to mention urban mining. It is the sourcing of these resources from electronic waste and spent magnets. This sourcing process is not related to the rare earths found in certain mineral deposits, but rather a method that is in some ways closer to global efforts to recover and recycle strategic raw materials.
In any case, the result is essentially the same. The starting point is that many end-of-life electronic devices, as well as decommissioned wind turbines and various types of industrial scrap, contain relatively high concentrations of rare earth elements. Some modern plants promise to recover increasingly significant quantities of these resources. With less complex and more manageable processes.
Among the most widely used techniques in this regard are certainly low-temperature selective leaching, electroextraction, and membrane separation, and controlled pyrolytic processes. In addition to guaranteeing a certain amount of rare earths without resorting to traditional sourcing procedures, urban mining offers the advantage of minimizing waste.
Innovative Techniques for Rare Earth Separation
“One of the most interesting methods for reducing the complexity of rare earth processing operations is undoubtedly innovative techniques for separating these elements,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Nowadays, in various parts of the world, new types of solvents and innovative ionic liquids are being tested that could revolutionize rare earth refining processes. Making them much more compatible with modern needs. A major advantage of these techniques is their high selectivity for the various rare earth elements. Such as neodymium or praseodymium. Furthermore, they are completely reusable, thus significantly reducing waste.”
Another very interesting technique, from this perspective, is bioextraction, also known as bioleaching. Over the years, it has been discovered that certain microorganisms are capable of solubilizing rare earth elements from specific types of minerals. This method essentially enables the transformation of rare earths present in a solid form (such as those commonly found in certain rare earth minerals) into a soluble form. It is dissolved in a liquid solution, for subsequent separation and purification.
The method would also apply to mining waste and other similar compounds, such as coal ash. The entire process is characterized by its low energy consumption and relatively low emissions. Another noteworthy feature is that this technique can also be used in small, decentralized plants. In this regard, it might be useful to point out that rare earth minerals refer to mineral compounds that may contain some rare earth elements and are found in nature.
Among rare earth minerals, monazite is worth mentioning, from which some heavy rare earth element is also sometimes extracted. The term “rare earth minerals” therefore cannot be used to refer to all rare earths. Given that the individual elements are metallic in nature. But only to the raw mineral compound from which the individual rare earths are then sourced.
Another technique is linked to the natural presence of rare earths in certain ion-absorbing clays, especially in parts of Asia. Some sourcing methods for these particular deposits use organic salt solutions instead of traditional ammonium salts. The main advantage, from this perspective, is the possibility of separating the rare earths directly on site. It is a much simpler process. Furthermore, from an energy perspective, this method would be much more efficient.
“Another potential innovation to consider is the new traceability systems enabled by innovation,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “Thanks to blockchain-based traceability systems, for example, it could be possible to ensure that the rare earth elements used in smartphones or electric vehicles, like the single heavy rare earth element, come from certain types of responsible sources. From this perspective, many countries are already working to introduce mandatory certification linked to the safe provenance of resources. This approach would not only promote positive principles, but could increase demand for rare earths sourced safely and responsibly.”
FAQs
What are rare earth elements and why are they important?
Rare earths are 17 metallic elements used in key technologies, including:
- Permanent magnets for electric vehicles and wind turbines
- Batteries and industrial catalysts
- Mobile phones, computers, and green energy systems
Why is rare earth extraction currently problematic?
Traditional extraction methods are:
- Technically complex
- Geopolitically sensitive, as supply chains are dominated by a few countries
What new methods are emerging to simplify extraction?
Several innovative techniques are being developed:
- Urban mining: recovering rare earths from electronic waste and decommissioned devices
- Bioextraction: using microorganisms to extract metals from minerals or waste
- Membrane separation and ionic liquids: enabling cleaner, selective refining
- Clay absorption techniques: more efficient extraction using organic salts
How do these methods support sustainability?
They:
- Lower energy use and emissions
- Support recycling and decentralised processing
- Increase supply chain resilience
Can rare earths be responsibly sourced in future supply chains?
Yes. Blockchain-based traceability systems are being developed to certify responsible sourcing, encouraging transparency and ethical practices.
